Replacing indicator switch block

[FirestorminBill]

Hi folks,
the oldies here will know I've had this prob for years, the old indicators won't come on in cold weather, maybe after 20 secs, maybe after riding 20 mins, but only in winter, so my q is, how hard is it to replace the switchblock? Are the wires soldered into the switch block itself, or attached by screws, or does the switchblock come with a wiring loom that plugs in somewhere further along? Anyone got a switchblock that works? The general concensus was that cleaning the contacts doesn't tend to work and my old eyes are fading lol. Cheers gang, Bill

[sjscicluna]

I had same issue last year just soaked the switch block in wd40 has been good ever since then. I may have used some other stuff but will check when I get home.

[craigvtr]

I currently have the same problem and it is more pronounced if the bike has not been ridden for a couple of weeks while I am riding my VTR250. I have used the WD40 method which did improve the problem for a while but it has returned.

[sjscicluna]

This is the stuff I used

Attachments:

[Sharpest1]

Bill, it comes with the harness attached. Just follow the harness from the block and you will see 1 or 2 connectors. I think this includes the clutch switch as well.

[theblueracer]

Clean all the grease out especially behind the spring loaded contact plate.Found mine to be sticking.Now it's all good.

[FirestorminBill]

Thanks all, time to stop procratinating and rip it apart and see

[Connor]

A spray of contact cleaner usually gets a whole heap of crap out.

Depends if you go the extra step to them put a bit of switch grease back in - though I'm sceptical of that - grease just attracts dirt again... Haven't done any research on switch grease, just know it exists haha

[FirestorminBill]

Well, pulled it apart today and my neighbour had some of the stuff sjscicluna mentioned, so gave it a good blast of that with the switch in the left, right and cancel position, wiped all the dissolving grease out behind the contact plate as blueracer suggested and seems to have done the trick, however, I know some have found that it's only temporary but at least it's a start. Larry, think it's a fairing off job to follow the harness to the connectors as they didn't seem immediately visible, maybe just my old eyes lol.

Thanks again everyone, ride safe

[sjscicluna]

Try a bit of silicone or white grease spray may help lubricate the terminals and stop cotosion and wear.

[FirestorminBill]

Update, whilst they are better they still can take a few seconds but what I've noticed is that the flasher unit is clicking and the indicators aren't on straight away, would that imply the indicator switch is sending the signal to the flasher can but that is really the problem, so maybe replace that? Any thoughts? Cheers

[sjscicluna]

Check your bulb sockets for corrosion also use a multimeter to check resistance of your earth points to the bolb and also switch block to handle bars. i am un sre tho if the frame is used as an earth or if it is wired into the switch block.


cheers,
Stephen

[phillstorm]

I got sick of playing with it every winter and it just got worse until new switch block was fitted. Never missed a beat after that. About $90 and plugs straight in with no need to strip any thing else off from memory.

[hammer]

Well, I had the same problem, lights coming on after 10 or so seconds. Got myself some of that spray and gave it a blast in the switch unit. Also pulled the flasher unit off and tried the jump wire check, only blew one fuse. Anyway pulled the switch apart after not much improvement. Blew more spray about, and then removed the turn button and rolled a small piece of emery cloth and gave the contacts a bit of a rub,, seems to have done the trick. Indicators flash straight away now, will wait and see if it lasts.


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[2wheelsagain]

I'm in the same boat with part time indicators. I've pulled the switch. Pulled and greased all connections. Checked globe sockets and cleaned and greased them. Nothing lasts but...

If the bikes ridden every couple of days they work instantly. Every time!

If its been 4 or 5 days I run the blinkers while gearing up. Sure it takes 15 seconds (longer rh side) but they work after that and I haven't heard a good explanation yet why.

[binny]

It must be catching. Mine started doing the same thing this week. I haven't had a chance to investigate yet.

[hammer]

Ok ,, tried indicators a bit later and they are better but not great, maybe the warm up while bike is running is the way to go? When they came on quick was when I had the bike running doing the idle speed,, plus it's a bit cold in tas. at the moment.....??


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[vtrstormer]

Aug 8, 2013 20:01:39 GMT 10 FirestorminBill said:

Hi folks,
the oldies here will know I've had this prob for years, the old indicators won't come on in cold weather, maybe after 20 secs, maybe after riding 20 mins, but only in winter, so my q is, how hard is it to replace the switchblock? Are the wires soldered into the switch block itself, or attached by screws, or does the switchblock come with a wiring loom that plugs in somewhere further along? Anyone got a switchblock that works? The general concensus was that cleaning the contacts doesn't tend to work and my old eyes are fading lol. Cheers gang, Bill

You dont have a dodgey flasher relay under the seat do you?

[vtrstormer]

I have had the same problem of late but as soon as they have warmed up they work no worries. Just getting old like my knees. Anyway will pull it down and have a look at all the terminals as everyone else has done and do all the relevant checks.